-----EDITORS NOTE---- RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - MANDATORY CREDIT "AFP PHOTO / WELLINGTON ZOO" - NO MARKETING NO ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS - DISTRIBUTED AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS
This handout photo released by Wellington Zoo on September 4, 2011 shows crew of the New Zealand research ship Tangaroa watching as the emperor penguin nicknamed "Happy Feet" is released from his transport crate and prepares to return to the Southern Ocean east of Campbell Island. Happy Feet, the lost penguin who became a worldwide celebrity after he washed up on a New Zealand beach was released back into the Southern Ocean on September 4 to begin a long swim home to Antarctica. AFP PHOTO / WELLINGTON ZOO (Photo credit should read WELLINGTON ZOO/AFP/Getty Images)

He needed a little push before speeding backward down a makeshift slide. Once in the water, he popped his head up for one last look. And then he was gone. The wayward emperor penguin known as "Happy Feet" was back home in Antarctic waters after an extended sojourn spent capturing hearts in New Zealand.

Happy Feet was released into the ocean south of New Zealand on Sunday, more than two months after he came ashore on a beach nearly 2,000 miles from home and became an instant celebrity.

Speaking from a satellite phone aboard the research vessel Tangaroa, Wellington Zoo veterinarian Lisa Argilla said Happy Feet's release went remarkably smoothly given that the boat was being tossed about in 25-foot swells in the unforgiving Antarctic ocean.

Argilla said crew members carried the penguin inside his custom-built crate to the stern of the ship for his final send-off about 50 nautical miles north of remote Campbell Island.

"He swam away, not caring about us anymore," Argilla said. "And that's a good thing."

The penguin was found June 20 on Peka Peka Beach, about 40 miles northwest of New Zealand's capital, Wellington. It had been 44 years since an emperor penguin was last spotted in the wild in New Zealand.

Happy Feet has been fitted with a GPS tracker, and his movements will be posted online at www.wellingtonzoo.com.